Soccer-Belgium name injured Benteke in World Cup squad

BRUSSELS, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Injured striker Christian Benteke was included in Belgium's squad by coach Marc Wilmots on Thursday in the hope that he will recover in time for their final 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Croatia and Wales.

Benteke suffered a hip injury playing for his Premier League side Aston Villa on Sept. 21 and was initially ruled out for between four and six weeks.

However, the Belgian FA's medical team visited Birmingham earlier this week and said the injury appeared to be healing faster than expected.

Belgium top Group A with 22 points and a draw in Zagreb against second-placed Croatia on Friday Oct. 11 will guarantee the Belgians a place in the finals for the first time in 12 years.

Even if they lose, they would still secure an automatic place with victory at home against Wales four days later.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen have also been recalled after both missed the 2-0 win over Scotland last month due to injury.